Operations Training Manager

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

The Operations Training Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and leading training and development programs that enhance employee performance and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards. This position owns the development and sustainability of technical training for all production roles and partners closely cross-functionally to build a skilled, engaged, and compliant workforce.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Training Program Development
• Design and develop training materials, Standard Operating Procedures, One Point Lessons, and onboarding programs specific to food manufacturing operations.
• Implement standardized training programs for production operators and new hires.
• Integrate food safety, GMP, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements into training curriculums.
• Training Delivery & Facilitation
• Facilitate "train the trainer" programming focused on delivering hands-on training for operational roles, with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive cross-training initiatives to build workforce flexibility and resilience.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Support training outside of standard business hours as needed.
• Assessment & Continuous Improvement
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observations, assessments, and performance metrics.
• Identify skill gaps and develop action plans to address training needs.
• Continuously improve training programs based on feedback and operational changes.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Maintain accurate training records in compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
• Ensure all employees are trained before operating equipment or performing specialized tasks.
• Prepare documentation for audits and inspections.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Site training coordinators

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Operations Management, Food Science, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in training and development within a manufacturing environment, preferably food production.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (GMP, FSQ, etc.) and regulatory compliance.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to design and deliver effective training programs.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and training tracking tools preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Green belt certification or ability to obtain

Knowledge and Skills:

• Leadership and influence
• Instructional design and adult learning principles
• Operational awareness and safety mindset
• Organization and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Experience in Redzone preferred

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This position will be located at our corporate headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN
• Work Environment: Approximately 70% is in a manufacturing/production environment; 30% of this role is performed in an office environment
• Must be comfortable in a production environment (cold/hot, noise, standing for long periods).
• May require flexible hours to support multi-shift operations.
• Ability to travel to production sites as needed.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED